Snow Day Productivity

Atlanta has just been hit hard lately. Between schools closing for the hurricane late last year, the I85 construction nightmare, the flu running rampage, and the already 3 snow days this winter, it seems like we can’t catch a break. We all get it, life happens and Mother Nature doesn’t always have our best interest at heart. Working from home, which used to be a rare occurrence, seems to be happening more and more lately. It’s just a wonderful job perk that a lot of us have to be able to do so, but it throws a wrench in our routine. We wish work had a pause button, but deadlines have to be met and there is always work to be done. How do we keep our focus when we have stir crazy kids or when we are stuck at home with a cold? Trying implementing these few tricks when you’re stuck at home!

Create a Space for you! – First things first, make a designated work space! If you are lucky enough to have a home office, make sure the kiddos know that it’s a no-go zone for a while. You need to have a work space. It could be the island in your kitchen, or even setting up on the bed in your guest room. When you create that space for yourself, you will be able to put yourself in that ‘work mindset’ instead of remembering that you’re at home.

Make your Schedule – We definitely get it, your day is already going about as unpredictable as it can be; however, if you create a schedule, you can attempt to keep some stability in your day. When making your schedule, try keeping it as close to your normal schedule as you can. This will help your productivity, because you are ‘mirroring’ your regular work day; you’re just doing so at home.

Communicate! – If it’s a weather day, the rest of your team is going through the same thing that you are. On days like this, it isn’t possible to overcommunicate. When you aren’t in the office, it’s difficult to know what each other is working on. Send text messages, email, have a phone conference, whatever you need to do to make sure everyone is in the loop. There is nothing worse than having a few different team members wasting their time working on a project that you’ve completed on your day at home.

Don’t Guilt Yourself – We know that while you’re at home, the kids are at home also. It’s hard to get work done when there’s fresh snow on the ground or their begging you to watch the newest Lego movie with them. It’s understandable that you would rather be spending time with them than working, but bills have to get paid. Just don’t be too hard on yourself while you’re working, I’m sure your kids understand. Make time in your schedule to spend time with them, maybe take a break in the middle of the day to bake cookies or catch up on your favorite tv show with them.

We get it, days when you’re stuck at home working are stressful for everyone involved. But just because you’re stuck at home, doesn’t mean work won’t get done. Just follow these few tips and also check out a few more here! Don’t forget though, the most important thing is to take a break every now and then to create fun snow memories with the family! You never know, it might be 5 years before it snows in Atlanta again!